A New Approach to Governing GM Crops? Global Lessons for the UK

The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG,Friday, 13th June 2014

Although the rise of genetically modified (GM) crops has been dramatic, its uptake has not been the smooth nor universal transition predicted by its advocates. Controversy has marked even countries where its growth has been impressively rapid. All too commonly its regulation has been challenged as inadequate, even biased.

The workshop draws on global lessons to explore the future of GM policy in the UK, and will address:

How do we understand the factors that have facilitated the transition of some countries and regions to GM agriculture and not others?

What are the limits of science-based approaches to regulation?

What other factors have contributed to the debate, and how can we understand them?

What lessons can be learnt from the experience of other nations for the development of domestic policy on GM and on global food security?

This workshop marks the launch of Durham University research, funded by the John Templeton Foundation, and involving research teams across India, Mexico and Brazil, into the views of scientists, farmers and the public.